CANTEEN SERVICES

Wairarapa Times-Age, 10 May 1941, Page 2

CANTEEN SERVICES

FACILITIES FOR TERRITORIALS RECENT MANOEUVRES. WORK OF Y.M.C.A. LADIES’ AUXILIARY. The Women’s Auxiliary of the Masterton Y.M.C.A. was responsible ' for the excellent canteen service provided for some 3,000 troops when the latter were in and around Masterton during the recent Territorial manoeuvres. All I possible comforts were provided and the welfare of the troops was the first consideration. The thanks of the auxiliary are due to all those who assisted in the work. Appreciation is also expressed to farmers who had made preparations to receive the men and to establish canteen services, though this had to be abandoned owing to the floods.

The president of the Ladies’ Auxiliary, Mrs H. E. Pither, has received reports from canteen leaders, details of which are summarised below. A canteen was set up at Mr John McKay’s farm, Wangaehu. All facilities were available. Hot tea was served at no charge from 2.15 to 5 o’clock. The canteen opened again at G o’clock and hot pies, saveloys, tea, cocoa, biscuits, cakes and apples were served. The canteen closed at 9 o’clock. The men were surprised to find the Y.M.C.A. canteen at the farm and spoke highly of its work. Thanks were expressed to Mr and Mrs McKay for their action in providing many comforts, ' free milk, apples and firewood. At Solway Showgrounds the canteen [service was highly appreciated. Many letters were posted, hot water issued for shaving, and biscuits, cakes and apples were sold throughout the afternoon and evening. At Mr C. J. Bennett’s property good business was done. All ranks were grateful for the free drinks and canteen service. The assistance of Mr and Mrs Bennett was appreciated. Seventy-five troops arrived at the “Thornton Park” canteen at 2 o’clock and tea was served by 2.50. The canteen was besieged and everything was sold out. Until later it was not known that the men had not had anything to eat since 4 a.m. The canteen was later replenished and was again well patronised. Cheers were given ’ for the Y.M.C.A. workers. At Mr G. Shaw’s residence, Te Ore

Ore, electricity had been laid on to a wool shed, a fire had been lit and everything had been prepared to receive the men. The canteen arrangements were praised by Y.M.C.A. representatives and it was stated that the men would arrive at 3 or 3.30. Some time later advice was received, however, that the men would not be arriving and the goods were sent for to be used at a canteen nearby. The leader thanked all for their work and expressed regret that it had been in vain. i

At Mr D. McKenzie’s property a canteen was opened at 1.30 p.m. Pies, etc., were in demand, as the troops had not had a meal since 5 a.m. and the army meal would not be available until 5.30 p.m. The camp kitchen broke down and was not available until 6.30 p.m. Thanks were expressed to Mrs McKenzie and all helpers for their work. ■

At Mr J. M. James’s property similar good work was carried out. All helpers, including Mr and Mrs James, were thanked for their services.

At the Opaki racecourse the troops arrived in small batches after 3.30 o’clock and the canteen was busy until 9.30. Many letter cards were sold and the free notepaper was largely drawn on. It was suggested that in future a hot water bottle should be sent to each canteen as one had been required for an emergency and had had to be procured from town. Miss L. Watt stated that her team of workers had reported for duty but as their station was in the flooded area their services were not required. At the Memorial Park a canteen was set up and until 10.20 o’clock tea, cocoa, cakes, pies and saveloys were sold. Four residents nearby gave assistance in heating the pies.

At the Y.M.C.A. headquarters, Masterton, similar facilities were available. Hot showers were also available and dental and medical sections were set up. A great volume of letters was collected and posted.